Does Integrity Always Win?
Protecting our lifeline for eternity
Proverbs 20:27-29
What is Integrity?
• the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
that you refuse to change
• 1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of
moral character; honesty.
• 2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to
preserve the integrity of the empire.
• 3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition:
What does Integrity Encompass?
• Oneness with the heart of God in all spheres of life
- spirit, soul, body
• - relationships with man
• - finance & resources
• - time
• - character
• - stewardship (of company,
environment, staff, product,
technology, etc)
Realms of Winning
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Self
Other party
Others
God’s Kingdom
Time frames of Winning
- Now
- Later (Job, David, Joseph)
- Eternity
Rewards
Fruits
What constitutes a Win?
External
• Reward?
• Prosperity ?
• Promotion/advancement?
• Recognition/honour?
Internal
• Knowledge
• Character
• Soul’s peace of mind
What does Integrity do to us?
• Proverbs 20:27-29 (NASB)
•
27 The
spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, (DISCERNMENT)
Searching all the innermost parts of his being.
28 Loyalty and truth preserve the king,
(SECURITY)
And he upholds his throne by righteousness. (AUTHORITY)
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
(Dangerous without truth)
And the honor of old men is their gray hair.
(A lie without truth)
What does Integrity do to us?
The spirit is the best judge on the right thing to do!
• John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in
spirit and truth.”
• Truth one of the conduits of worship!
• A compromise of integrity or truth compromises our
relationship with God!
Integrity builds God’s Throne
Psalm 89:14
• Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.
• Speaking the truth in love, living out integrity with gentleness,
without arrogance
We Win when His Kingdom Wins
Matthew 6:33 (NASB)
• 33 But seek first His kingdom (basileia – rule) and His
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
• God’s Kingdom is a rule of love and blessedness, fruitfulness,
peace and joy
Lasting Win with Integrity
• Proverbs 8:18-21 (NASB)
• 18 “Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 “My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver.
20 “I walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,
21 To endow those who love me with wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.
How does Integrity work for
the Kingdom? – transformation capacity
• Luke 13:20-21
• 20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God
to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about
sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
How does Integrity Work for the
Kingdom?
• Luke 13:20-21
• 20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God
to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about
sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
• For yeast to work properly, it has to be pure, unadulterated
• Impure yeast and its biological contaminants can multiply very
quickly to spoil the yeast and the intended product
Integrity and God’s Reward
• 2 Samuel 22:21
• “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
Integrity in Corporate Results Reporting
- My Indonesian Friend’s Experience
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Insurance company reporting opposite of actual results
Friend raise alarm to immediate superior
Passed internal audit
Pressed issue – feared loss of job or stagnation
Came clean with public
3 years later, company gained market share
Friend given more responsibilities
Integrity in Corporate Results Reporting
- My Own Experience
• United Nations Development Programme pitch –
transparency reporting for Ministry of Law and Human Rights,
Jakarta
• Vietnam project for Cogeneration
What if you have negative experiences after standing for Integrity?
• Psalm 145:17-19 (NIV)
• 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them
God stands valiantly for
Truth, Humility & Justice
• Psalm 45:3-5 (NIV)
• 3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the
king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.
• No place for arrogant integrity
• TAKE COURAGE!
• Walk on in Integrity!